Free Anti-virus+firewall Vs. Norton/McAfee?

Post by **Irish Alan** » April 10, 2007, 12:17 am

Hi all.

My Panda Internet security expired recently and I decided to give AVG Free version and Zone Alarm a whirl plus SpyBot and AD-Aware.

So far things seem to be going ok but out of sheer curiosity who uses freebies for this or do you feel it is money well spent to pay for your computer security?

Also it seems to come down to personal preference so Norton, McAfee or PC-Cillin?

Thanks.

Post by **Ricohoc** » April 10, 2007, 12:24 am

I don't know anything about that specific software, but one usually gets what one pays for ...

I pay about $140 a year for Norton on my desktop and laptop. With the prospect of a virus killing either computer and the time I would have to spend to reinstall the OS and all the programs, I feel like the cost is well worth it.

If I used my computers for only leisure enjoyment, I would probably be willing to take the risk on free software. I'd be interested in hearing how AVG and Zone work out over time.

Post by **eagle** » April 10, 2007, 1:27 am

I updated to Vista and have also to update virus program. At that time there was only one program and it was from McAfee.

Now I am a happy user of McAfee Total Protection for Small Business. It is for Vista of course and what is the best: it is free at this moment. Of course it is Beta test version, but it really seems to work fine.

Now McAfee should have also other Vista virus scanning program.

I do use also AdAware and some other software to keep my computer clean. There are also some sites offering troijan scans and firewall tests.

I have been installing Norton to some companies computers, but there were some problems few year ago (all mail was moved directly from inbox to trash and trash was cleared). Norton corrected that error, but still I do not trust that program. I think that it was related only to mail with certain files in attachments.

In any way, the most valuable virus scanning program is that which is updated daily. Never mind the price.

Post by **Seaserpent** » April 10, 2007, 4:28 am

I tried Avg Free, paid for both Norton and Macafee. a couple of years ago I bought a new PC and it had Kaspersky and now i'm on my second paid version of Kaspersky and it is the best I ever had and that is also according to tests done...

There are in my eyes two things every one should pay for: 1. your Operating System 2. your Antivirus.
That is the two most important softwares then running MS OS. And just has to be supported

Post by **Doc** » April 10, 2007, 12:06 pm

I use Avast - a free program. I have never had a virus since I started using Avast - now for over three years. I use my computer for both pleasure and business and feel very secure with Avast.

Check out www.freewaregenious.com for reviews of the free programs that are available.

Post by **tawan3** » April 10, 2007, 12:28 pm

I have had so many problems with Norton especially on a network. Spybot is good for cleanup. I use kapersky now because their system mechanic tools seems to do a good job keeping windows performing well. Avast works well also many programers have recommended it to me.

Post by **Irish Alan** » April 10, 2007, 8:25 pm

Thank you all... Never heard of Avast Doc thanks. I had similar problems on my network with Panda tawan so was not crazy about updating to 2007 version. Don't want to seem like a kee neow but I paid for Panda and I spent more time trouble shooting, changing settings and re-booting it was too much trouble. Just wondered if the freebies were just as good!

Thanks again all.

Post by **banpaeng** » April 10, 2007, 9:03 pm

I've used AVG Free now for over 3 years. hHve not had a virus. Before that I used Norton. Norton is a virus. All I ever got was popups from Norton. Threatened a lawsuit if they did not tell me how to find their secret files so I could get their c##p off of my computer. Yes once you sign up you will have secret files embedded in your computer to try to make sure you do not use another product.

NOrton is the pits and should be thrown in a pit.

Post by **BKKSTAN** » April 10, 2007, 10:32 pm

I run avg free everyday,it updates everyday.No viruses!Also have avast that I ocassionally do a check with!Mc Afee is on the com with the unauthorized Windows XP!

Post by **Mainer** » April 10, 2007, 11:36 pm

I have also used AVG Free Edition for about 3 years, except for a brief time I was advised to go to Kaspersky by my Thai technician. I had a hard drive fail and I think he said it was a virus that caused the crash. That I doubt. I did not like Kaspersky, so now I am back with AVG Free.

It does not bog down my system, except when doing a daily scan, but I can pause it and resume after I go out for a noodle. It updates its virus file every day at a scheduled time and, all in all, I am happy with it..... until it fails me, which I suppose anything can in these darn machines.

Post by **Seaserpent** » April 11, 2007, 12:28 am

Nothing wrong with free anti-virus. AVG takes around 80-85 % of the viruses and Kasperky takes 99 +% Norton and Macafee in between... No reason to worry to much if you are not into file sharing or into various chat stuff or suspect (porno) web pages. Not many viruses are spread by email those days, and most people are on webmail and they all provide antivirus....

So I belive AVG Free is perfectly safe, but personally I like Kaspersky, or even better my MAC IBook G4 100% Microsoft free = 100% virus free.

Post by **Seaserpent** » April 11, 2007, 12:34 am

Your Windows firewall are good enough, sometimes even old Bill gets it right...

Post by **fussychunk** » April 11, 2007, 1:12 am

I have used AVG for 3 or so years and found it easy to use and certainly use kess resources than Norton. As for Zonealarm, I just updated it the other day with a 38mb download. It now has junk filter etc, it will be interesting as the original download 6 years ago was all of 8mb! Thats inflation for ya!

Post by **tawan3** » April 11, 2007, 2:53 am

I also use a hardware firewall ALPHA SHIELD that blocks all 65536 ports on your computer very cheap in America but does not have multi-voltage adaptor for use in Thailand. Are hardware firewalls reasonably priced in Thailand?

Post by **tawan3** » April 13, 2007, 5:08 am

Has anyone got any experience with Norton Confidential for online banking and transactions?

Post by **Paul** » April 13, 2007, 12:35 pm

The words Norton and Confidential should not be in the same sentence !
I think I am not alone in my gross dislike of anything by Norton !

(see above)

Post by **cookie** » April 13, 2007, 4:45 pm

Are there more members using Comodo?
Some good or bad references?

Post by **Irish Alan** » April 14, 2007, 5:56 am

cookie wrote:Are there more members using Comodo?
Some good or bad references?

My trial version of ZoneAlarm Pro just expired so I am now trying Outpost Pro for a free 30 day trial. When that expires I might try Comodo. Some reviews here:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1969225,00.asp

http://www.firewallguide.com/software.htm

Post by **cookie** » April 14, 2007, 11:55 am

Thanks Alan, quickly checked the reviews and they seem rather good to me.
Before I had Kaspersky, but I got it for free for only 1 year.
kaspersky was very good, never a problem.
Not long ago I downloaded comodo firewall pro
For the moment I am happy, but always good to check if people had some problems with it.

Post by **Irish Alan** » June 10, 2008, 11:10 pm

My anti-virus expires in 2 days so I'm resurrecting this thread as there are some newer members that can also throw in some input.

I liked Kaspersky and ended up paying for a 1-year licence but now in keeping with my belt tightening I'm thinking of trying something new and possibly free.

McAfee.
Symantec.
BitDefender.
Trend.Micro.
AVG.

Anyone tried:
ESET.
Avira.
Kerio or any new kids on the block?

Thanks.